No snow hurting tourism

Indian River is equally reliant on snow as a stop-gap between the end of one summer tourism season and the beginning of the next. “We just need snow,” said Dawn Bodnar, Indian River Chamber of Commerce director.

Comment

By Mark Spencley

Cheboygan Daily Tribune - Cheboygan, MI

By Mark Spencley

Posted Dec. 6, 2012 at 10:05 PM
Updated Dec 6, 2012 at 10:08 PM

By Mark Spencley

Posted Dec. 6, 2012 at 10:05 PM
Updated Dec 6, 2012 at 10:08 PM

Cheboygan, Mich.

By MARK SPENCLEY

mark@cheboygantribune.com

CHEBOYGAN — Winter snow and the snowmobilers it draws provides the lifeblood for the area's winter tourism industry.

Snowmobiling is the undeniable king of winter recreation in northern Michigan, drawing 'sled heads' by the thousands to the area's vast trail system each year. Now heading into the second of week of Michigan's snowmobiling season, which officially started Dec. 1, the trails are barren.

"There is no question the lack of snowfall has an impact on the area economy," said Matt Friday, director of the Cheboygan Chamber of Commerce. "When we don't have snow and snowmobilers are heading up here people aren't staying, or eating, or shopping in our stores."

Indian River is equally reliant on snow as a stop-gap between the end of one summer tourism season and the beginning of the next.

"We just need snow," said Dawn Bodnar, Indian River Chamber of Commerce director.

"Last year was rough," she added about the lack of snow leading up to the Christmas holiday. "People canceled reservations and businesses really are affected."

Indian River and Cheboygan combine as a focal point for snowmobilers across Michigan. On and off access to I 75 and close proximity to hundreds of miles of trails draw snow enthusiasts by the thousands to small tourist towns each year.

"We're an ideal destination for snowmobilers," said Friday. "All of the trails and we allow snowmobiles downtown. They can't park on the streets, but they can park in the city parking lots."

The local economic impact of each snowmobiler that visits northern Michigan is significant.

"You can figure that every person that comes into a community spends $102. That's through lodging and food and gas, all of that," Bodnar explained.

Unfortunately the forecast isn't terribly encouraging.

According to the National Weather Service, a significant snowfall is unlikely in the next week or so.

"Let's hope it turns soon," Friday said. "It would be nice to here those sleds roaring down the trails."